Jesus’ Tears

Jesus doesn’t cry much, but when He does, what does it mean?

“And when He drew near and saw [Jerusalem], He wept over it, saying, ‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.'” -Luke 19:41-42Luke’s Gospel is about to show Jesus cleansing the temple, driving out those who turn the worship of God into an occasion for extortion. Luke has just recounted Jesus’ parable of a Master who both rewards and punishes His servants… and slaughters His enemies.

But, sandwiched between these two pictures of justice and judgement we catch a glimpse of another facet of the heart of God, seen through the tears of a compassionate Christ. Jesus knows the certainty of coming judgement for Israel and agrees with its righteousness, but is not callously disconnected from the reality of human suffering.

No, this Christ cares deeply for people, even people who He knows will reject Him, and He cares so much that He weeps for them. In fact, He cares so much that He will die for them; a death to bring life; a sorrow to bring the hope of joy.

What about me?
What about you?
Do we feel the weight of others’ pain like Jesus… enough to do something about it?